Fashion lovers got their wish Friday morning when Catherine Middleton alighted from her limousine at Westminster Abbey wearing a lace-topped wedding gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The ivory satin gazar gown has long lace sleeves, which is certain to set a fashion trend. It was modest enough for the grand, formal setting, but still chic. The skirt has a full, graceful skirt and cathedral-length train.

The reveal ended months of speculation about which British designer Middleton would pick to create her dress for her marriage to Prince William. The choice will be popular in the fashion world because McQueen, a much-loved designer, died earlier this year. Burton is a respected addition to the English fashion scene. The wedding gown reflects Middleton’s love of classic design, but is relatively understated. The aesthetic extended to her simple veil and the diamond “halo” tiara the bride wore. The Cartier piece was loaned by Queen Elizabeth, according to BBC America commentators.

The dress Kate Middleton wears when she marries Prince William on April 29 continues to be a closely guarded secret, but that hasn’t kept people from speculating.

“It can’t be particularly sexy or revealing,” says Millie Martini Bratten, editor in chief of Brides magazine. “It’s a statement dress for an official occasion. It will be in a grand space.”

Bratten has observed enough big weddings in her more than three decades at the magazine to be an expert on what such a ceremony calls for.
She says Middleton is likely to choose a different style of dress than Prince William’s mother, then-Lady Diana Spencer, wore for her marriage to Prince Charles in 1981.